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The round of 32 rolls on at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup with more surprises in store as teams with different styles and different expectations will square off. The day begins in Los Angeles, where one of the pre-tournament favorites in Spain will take on an Austria team that will be looking to relentlessly press its way to an upset.

The tournament then shifts to Toronto, where Croatia and Portugal meet in a game that will be highlighted by a clash of two of the game’s best players over the past two decades in Cristian Ronaldo and Luka Modrić.

The tournament remains in Canada for the day’s final game in Vancouver, where an improving Switzerland will take on an explosive Algeria team that takes a lot of risks and plays on the edge.

Here is all you need to know for Thursday at the World Cup.

When: Thursday, July 2, 3 p.m. ET

Where: Los Angeles

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

As one of the tournament’s leading contenders, Spain will get its knockout campaign underway on Thursday afternoon when it takes on Austria at Los Angeles Stadium.

After being held to a stunning 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in its group stage opener, it has been smooth sailing for Spain, which is yet to concede a goal at the tournament. Following the Cape Verde result, Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to win the group.

The biggest concern for Spain entering this game is that wingers Nico Williams and Yéremy Pino are not expected to start due to injuries sustained in the win over Uruguay. Obviously, that will place an increased burden on budding superstar Lamine Yamal and Atlético Madrid mainstay Alex Baena to provide width to the Spanish attack and combine with center forward Mikel Oyarzabal. But beyond them, the options are limited.

Lamine Yamal playing for Spain. (Getty Images) –>

Spain’s strength, however, is in its midfield triangle of Pedri, Rodri, and Mikel Merino, who are among the best in the world in possession.

But this game will be a clash of styles. Under manager Ralf Rangnick, Austria presses intensely and relentlessly. If Austria ever loses possession, its players immediately press in an attempt to win the ball back quickly.

It will be a huge test for either team to pull off its game plan. Austria will attempt to force turnovers from the best-possession national team in the world, while Spain rarely presses as much as what the Austrians will attempt in this game.

Austria’s style of play has the team frequently walking a thin line between success and failure because if the press is ineffective, opponents typically have space to exploit. But this risky approach nearly cost the team dearly against Algeria in the group stage finale. In that game, Austria squandered two leads and then fell behind in stoppage time only to find a last-minute equalizer to advance.

Rangnick’s team is very much living on borrowed time at this World Cup. If Austria is going to pull off a stunning upset in this game, Marko Arnautovic will have to play a key role. The 37-year-old center forward has been dealing with an injury that has limited his involvement to no more than 45 minutes in any game. But he has been excellent whenever on the field, having scored two very important goals and served as the team’s emotional leader.

Player to Watch

The Atlético Madrid man has been sharp in Spain’s last two games, both wins, and was the Man of the Match after scoring a goal in the 1-0 win over Uruguay. In a game against a pressing team, Baena will have the opportunity to exploit space if he can maintain possession under pressure. Baena is playing well and should be a key to Spain’s attack against Austria.

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When: Thursday, July 2, 7 p.m. ET

Where: Toronto

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Portugal and Croatia will meet on Thursday at Toronto Stadium in one of the most star-studded games in this World Cup’s round of 32. At front and center will be an emotional battle between two legendary former Real Madrid teammates in Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić who are both fighting to keep their final hopes of winning a World Cup alive.

Neither team had been convincing during the group stage. Portugal was held to lackluster draws by DR Congo and Colombia while only defeating debutants Uzbekistan, 5-0.

Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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Croatia, meanwhile, has fared only slightly better. After a 4-2 loss to England, Croatia had to fight much harder than expected to notch a 1-0 win over Panama and a 2-1 win over Ghana.

For Portugal, Bruno Fernandes is the creator, and he will have to win in the midfield against Croatia, which features Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, and Petar Sučić. It will be a clash of styles as Portugal thrives at speeding the game up while Croatia will look to slow the game down. Because of that, the game will likely be decided in transition play and whether Portugal can get wingers like Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto involved.

Luka Modrić starring for Croatia. (Photo by Joosep Martinson – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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But many eyes will be on Modrić and Ronaldo, two iconic players who are now over 40. Ronaldo will be playing in his ninth career World Cup knockout game but is still searching for his first goal in this stage of the tournament. Modrić is the midfield engine and is coming off a great performance in the win over Ghana where he was everywhere on both sides of the ball. But doing that against Portugal will require an even higher level.

Player to Watch

In a game such as this with contrasting styles, both teams will be looking to have the game played on their terms. For Portugal, that begins with Fernandes who is the engine of the team’s midfield. He is very direct and plays the game with a lot of energy. He won’t want to let Croatia slow the game down and become choppy. Portugal struggled against Colombia in the group stage finale, but Fernandes was at the heart of Portugal’s best moments.

When: Thursday, July 2, 11 p.m. ET

Where: Vancouver

TV: FS1

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

After both Switzerland and Algeria had uneven campaigns in their respective World Cup group stages, the two teams will meet on Thursday at BC Place Stadium (Vancouver) in the round of 32.

Switzerland began the tournament with a very poor performance in a 1-1 draw with Qatar but since then, Murat Yakin’s squad has been on the rise with a convincing 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina followed by a 2-1 win over co-hosts Canada.

Algeria, meanwhile, have been all over the place in its first three games of the tournament. A lopsided loss to Argentina was expected in the opening game, but the Desert Foxes needed to come from behind in the second half to defeat Jordan 2-1 and then get a result in a wild 3-3 draw with Austria – where Algeria came from behind twice, but then blew a lead late to settle for a point.

Riyad Mahrez, the veteran captain for Algeria. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) –>

Algeria should be prepared for this game as its head coach, Vladimir Petković, was the head coach of Switzerland for seven years from 2014-2021. Many of the Switzerland players came into the national team under Petković, and he knows the team well.

Despite Petković’s history with Switzerland, the two teams play with very different styles. The Swiss team is more structured and disciplined with its game plan under Yakin, while Algeria is more explosive and lethal on counter-attacks. The team’s attack is driven by veteran wingers Houssem Aouar and Riyad Mahrez, who both play for Saudi Arabian clubs but who both have experience with top European teams.

For Switzerland, Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler will be tasked with controlling the midfield and preventing the game from becoming wide open, which is what Algeria would prefer.

Player to Watch

Switzerland’s 20-year-old midfielder has been one of the top young players of this tournament, with three goals and an assist in the group stage. In the 2-1 win over Canada, the Geneva-born Manzambi was arguably the best player on the field with a goal and an assist. Manzambi has had a great year at the club level with SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga. He was also named the Europa League Young Player of the Season for 2025-26, and he excels at making late runs into the box. He could be one of the keys to victory for Switzerland in this game.

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Seattle Stadium was the venue for a thrilling and dramatic matchup between Belgium and Senegal in the Round of 32, where in the end, it was the Red Devils who took the 3-2 victory with a remarkable comeback display in added extra time. 

The goal, a penalty awarded five minutes after the 120th-minute mark, was indeed the latest winner in World Cup history. This was by far the most dramatic match of the tournament. It deserved its own miniseries. 

Goals from Habib Diarra and a work of art from Ismaila Sarr secured the goals for Senegal at the start, and it appeared that was all that was needed in order to secure the win, but in incredible fashion, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans took it back to 2-2 in the late moments of the match, which sent the game to a dramatic finale in extra time.

That’s when the UEFA side really started to find its rhythm and kept knocking at the door for a winner. And so, as we reached the near certainty of penalties, Tielemans was fouled inside the box; it was confirmed by the official thanks to reviewing it on screen.

Aston Villa’s man took it with perfection and netted the winning goal to send his team to the Round of 16.

As for Senegal? A heartbreaking defeat where the Lions of Teranga will probably look back at the tape and say to themselves: how on earth did we lose that? 

Here are my takeaways. 

1. In Football, Nothing Ever Is As It Seems

For almost the entirety of the match, Senegal controlled this match.  Senegal’s expected-goal (xG) metric was far superior (2.71 to Belgium’s 0.53) and even though I am not an xG super-nerd who totally believes in the fact that it determines outcomes, I am a believer in the laws of probability. It was assumed that the West African team did more than enough to secure the victory. 

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But assumptions, my friends, is the mother of all party crashers. You can never rely on them.

Consequently, in the space of three minutes and out of nowhere, Belgium turned the game around as Lukaku and Tielemans equalized in the 83rd and 86th minute, respectively. 

This is the best example of World Cup action. You can’t ever take your eye off it because all it takes is one attempt.    

2. Tielemans-Trossard Quarrel Fueled Rally

In the 72nd minute, when all seemed lost for Belgium, the Aston Villa midfielder clashed with Leandro Trossard as the duo were in the middle of a heated exchange before the hydration break to the point that they had to be separated.

The Belgians were falling apart and crumbling under desperation. But in actuality, it was the fire that was needed in order to inspire the comeback. 

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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And wouldn’t you know it? In the 86th minute, both combined for the all-important leveler as Trossard crossed in for a great ball as Tielemans headed it in.

And in extra time, Tielemans, who had scored the opening goal for Villa in the Europa League final back in May, scored a clutch penalty to earn the precious win.

Sometimes, even teammates need to be pushed against each other in order to get the best out of them. Tielemans’ argument with Trossard sparked something inside of him. 

3. Senegal Can Only Blame Itself

It was a gut-wrenching loss and one that surely broke the hearts of all Senegalese fans. And I truly feel for them. 

But the team has only itself to blame. At 2-0 up, with seven minutes remaining in regular time, Thiaw should have done a better job at protecting what it had and become more defense-minded. It was also losing the ball in silly moments and becoming extremely careless in possession and so it allowed cross after cross from Belgium.

I think Edouard Mendy was sorely missed too because I think some of those goals could have been avoided. Unfortunately, Mory Diaw had a terrible match. 

Knockout football is never about how you start. It’s how you finish. And Senegal forgot this precious lesson. 

4. Despite Loss, Sarr Was Tremendous

The 28-year-old forward/winger is so good at playing across the front line, he can pretty much go anywhere and be a nightmare against an opponent. 

On Wednesday, manager Pape Thiaw decided to place him as the target man with Sadio Mané and liman Ndiaye on either side.

It worked to perfection as Sarr capitalized on every ball to make it dangerous for the Belgian defensive line, whilst getting on the end of any cross that came his way. 

The start of the match saw the Lions of Teranga with a lot of possession and making some great opportunities, including in the 14th minute when Ismaïla Sarr’s effort hit the post and then forced Thibaut Courtois to clear the ball. But Sarr kept going as his header set up the first goal. 

His second opportunity? To me, it was a thing of beauty as he received a beautiful ball from Moussa Niakhaté and with a lovely first touch and finish (memories of Dennis Bergkamp’s goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup quarterfinals), he made it 2-0.

It was a moment of perfection. What a match from Sarr, who became his country’s all-time scorer at this tournament with four goals.

Belgium vs Senegal Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli apologized Wednesday for shouting “sit down, boy!” at Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras while instigating a benches’ clearing scrum a night earlier.

“I’m extremely torn up about the way that things were perceived,” Cavalli said before the Nationals beat the Red Sox 10-2. “Obviously, there was no ill intention behind that.”

Cavalli shouted at Contreras after striking him out looking with a full-count pitch in the fourth inning of the Nationals’ 8-1 victory over the Red Sox.

The term “boy” has a racist history in the United States. Contreras, who is Venezuelan, demurred when asked after the game if he felt there was a racial component to Cavalli’s word choice.

“My teammates know me, my family knows me, this organization knows me,” Cavalli said. “I couldn’t sleep because of it. It hurt my heart, knowing that, if there’s a 13-year-old Black kid in D.C. that sees that — that looked up to me and thinks that he perceived it in a way that wasn’t intended the way that it came out, and then he’s not looking up to me anymore — that hurts my heart.”

When asked, he said he understands the meaning behind the word used.

“There’s a history behind that word, and that’s just something that as a competitor, like in football or basketball, playing wiffle ball with my brother, you don’t understand it,” Cavalli said. “And then it gets perceived in a way that was not my intention, and then you learn from that. It’ll never happen again.”

The 27-year-old right-hander said he didn’t realize the public outcry on social media until he got back to his hotel room.

“I looked at my phone, and I saw what people were saying about me. Saw how torn up my wife was. It hurt my heart,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it. I really couldn’t. Because I know that people know me, and they know my character, and that’s not me. So, it was hard. I truly didn’t sleep last night.”

Contreras was walking back to the dugout after striking out and yelled back at Cavalli: “Are you talking to me?” A few words were exchanged, and he charged the mound. He was stopped before he got to the pitcher. He tried to throw his helmet over a group of players at the righty.

Things settled down quickly after that, though the brief dustup ended with Contreras, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy, Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton and Washington pitcher Miles Mikolas being ejected.

Cavalli said he hadn’t apologized to Contreras yet, but he hopes he hears his explanation.

“I have not reached out to him. I know that we’re both competitors, I hope that he hears this and he understands that was not what was intended at all,” Cavalli said. “I think he knows that. But if I see him, I want to make sure that he knows that.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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The LeBron James free agency saga seems to be on everyone’s minds, including United States men’s national team star Folarin Balogun.

After scoring the United States’ opening goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, the 24-year-old striker did James’ signature celebration, “The Silencer.”

The tribute caught James’ attention, who responded to FOX Sports’ tweet of Balogun’s goal to congratulate the “young king.”

James’ NBA future is in limbo after he announced his decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and test free agency for the first time since 2018. James, 41, is entering his 24th season in the league.

Balogun, who was born in Brooklyn but raised in London, now has three goals in four matches for the U.S. men’s national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He scored a brace in the United States’ opener against Paraguay and found the back of the net in its round of 32 match on Wednesday.

Balogun is now the fifth American to score three goals at the World Cup, joining Landon Donovan, Bert Patenaude, Clint Dempsey and Brian McBride. With one more goal, Balogun will tie Bert Patenaude (1930) for the most goals scored by an American in a single World Cup.

UNITED STATES TAKES LEAD Folarin Balogun Scores Goal vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

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Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero has become the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six straight games.

Caminero hit a 425-foot shot to left off Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo in the first inning on Wednesday night for his 24th homer of the season. The Rays star will celebrate his 23rd birthday on Sunday.

The youngest player before Caminero to homer in six straight games was Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr., who did it at the age of 23 in 1993.

The only other players since 1900 to homer in as many as five consecutive games before their 23rd birthday were San Francisco’s Jack Clark in 1978, Atlanta’s Brian McCann in 2006 and Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2018.

Caminero becomes the first player to homer in six straight games since Rafael Devers did it for Boston in May 2024. Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, Detroit’s Spencer Torkelson and the Chicago White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami had all homered in five straight games this season.

The only other Tampa Bay player ever to go deep in six straight games was Carlos Pena in June 2010, according to Sportradar.

Caminero has eight homers over his last six games. He began this stretch by going deep three times in a 13-2 victory over Kansas City on Thursday.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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Back in January, the odds that King James would retire before the beginning of the 2026-27 season were slightly longer than the odds that he would give it another go.

But as of now, it looks like LeBron will, in fact, give it another go but with a team other than the Lakers.

Here are the latest odds for where James could land next season at DraftKings Sportsbook as of June 30.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

LeBron James Next Team Odds

Golden State Warriors: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Los Angeles Lakers: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Cleveland Cavaliers: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Miami Heat: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
New York Knicks: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Detroit Pistons: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Dallas Mavericks: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
San Antonio Spurs: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Milwaukee Bucks: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Brooklyn Nets: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Washington Wizards: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)

NBA free agency begins on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. However, hours before its official start, LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, made a jaw-dropping announcement. 

According to ESPN reporting, Paul notified the Lakers that the franchise could move on without LeBron because he plans to play elsewhere for the 2026-27 season.

James played for the organization for eight years — the longest he’s played for any other team. While in L.A., King James broke the all-time scoring record, won an NBA title and earned his fourth NBA Finals MVP.

The imprint he’s left on the league in his more than 20 years has been immeasurable.

Where will LeBron land next season now that his time in Los Angeles is over?

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In addition to his tenure in Los Angeles, he’s played for the Cavaliers and the Heat, winning titles with all three franchises. He won Rookie of the Year, has four regular-season MVPs and is a 22-time All-Star.

James has averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 boards and 7.4 assists over the course of his career.

During the 2025-26 season, he helped lead the Lakers to a 53-29 record in the regular season. The team secured the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and defeated Houston 4-2 in the first round. 

Eventually, Los Angeles got bounced by Oklahoma City in the conference semifinals, 4-0, which marked LeBron’s last dance in Hollywood.

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Christian Pulisic’s lingering calf injury has been one of the top storylines for the U.S. men’s national team at the World Cup — and USA fans are hoping they finally see the star forward back in the starting lineup in Wednesday’s round of 32 match vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Here is everything to know about the status of USA’s star forward:

Is Christian Pulisic Injured?

Christian Pulisic suffered a calf injury in the 4-1 win against Paraguay, which kept him out of the next game vs. Australia, a 2-0 victory for the tournament co-hosts. He made a second-half appearance as a substitute in the 3-2 loss to Türkiye. In all, he has only played 77 minutes at this World Cup.

Will Pulisic Start vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Does that mean he’ll be back in the lineup for Wednesday’s game at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium? 

“I’m feeling good, it’s been a good week of preparation. I felt really good in the last game,” Pulisic told our very own Jenny Taft on Tuesday ahead of the USA’s practice session in nearby San Jose. “I’m excited to go for it tomorrow.”

Sounds like he’ll play, but what about starting?

“I think we’ll get it figured out today,” he added.

Has Pulisic Scored At The World Cup?

Pulisic has yet to score at this World Cup due to one playing in part of two matches and missing altogether – but he has been involved when he has played. 

He assisted on Folarin Balogun’s first of two goals in the opening win against Paraguay before being subbed off at halftime. 

Against Türkiye, he came on in the 58th minute and Pulisic injected fresh energy and belief into the team. The tempo picked up almost instantly with him on the field.

“You saw his quality, and you saw the impact he had when he came in,” USA midfielder Sebastian Berhalter told reporters afterward. “He’s our guy. He’s, more importantly, just a great person that everyone follows, and he’s a leader in his own right.”

The 27-year-old superstar immediately began creating chances and testing the Turkish defense, first with an opportunity in the 62nd minute and then a minute later when his shot rattled the right post. In the 77th, he sent another attempt just wide to the left.

Sweden, Ecuador Late Drama & Türkiye Stuns USA Matchday 15 ⭐️ 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Best Moments

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The Golden Boot may not always lead to team success, but the race for the individual award this summer might be one of the most compelling in recent memory.

Lionel Messi didn’t start against Jordan on Matchday 3 of the 2026 World Cup. But of course, he still had a part to play. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had no reason to bring him on. Sure, at the time, Argentina had let a two-goal advantage slip to one. There was a kernel of doubt forming in Albiceleste minds, perhaps. Yet, this was not a game that needed Messi.

But Messi wanted it. Or, at least, he played like he did. In 20-plus compelling minutes off the bench, the Argentine changed the complexion of the contest. When he came on the pitch, the aura changed, the vibe shifted. And, of course, there was the one moment. Should Yazeed Abulaila have saved Messi’s 80th-minute free kick? Perhaps. It was a little close to him. It didn’t require all that much movement.

Still, it zipped past him. And just like that, Argentina had a perfect group stage. Messi also established the slightest sliver of breathing room in the Golden Boot race. Golden Boots are funny things, in general. So often, the player who scores the most goals does not end up winning the World Cup. In fact, the last three World Cup-winning sides have not contained the player who scored the most goals in the tournament. Goals do not always equal team success.

Yet in a sport that is driven as much by individual conquest as team glory these days, they tend to matter more than ever. They’re nice benchmarks and, at World Cups, an indicator of individual excellence. You don’t fail your way into these things. And the 2026 tournament seems to have a proper race on its hands: Messi, Mbappé and Haaland, all chasing something different, all turning goals into statements. What’s not to like?

World Cups have always had room for that kind of individual story.

An Award About Moments

The 2014 World Cup was a fine show. It was full of captivating games, including a handful of remarkable goals, and had a deserving winner in Germany. In that sense, it was a success.

But that tournament will perhaps always be associated with one moment. In the first half of Colombia’s knockout clash with Uruguay, the ball popped up to James Rodriguez. The easiest move would have been to shuttle it along, find a pass, or bring it down. Instead, the attacking midfielder popped the ball up on his chest, watched it drop onto his left foot, and smacked it into the top corner from 25 yards out. It won the Puskas Award that year, and remains one of the finest goals to grace the World Cup.

And that’s all these tournaments are, really: collections of moments. A pretty good indicator of age among football fans is not just the first World Cup you remember, but more accurately the first World Cup

Does It Win World Cups?

Whether it is indicative of team success, though, is up for debate. Since Ronaldo’s Golden Boot-winning tournament in 2002, no World Cup-winning side has also contained the tournament’s top scorer. Mbappé won it in 2022. Kane claimed it in 2018. Rodriguez took it in 2014. Thomas Muller won it in 2010. Miroslav Klose finished top in 2006. None lifted the trophy that year. Peer over the recent winners, then, and their influence on team success is a bit of a mixed bag.

Mbappé won it in 2022, his stats boosted by his hat-trick in the final. Argentina were the better team on the day, but it’s hard to ask more out of Mbappé, from a pure offensive standpoint, in that game. Harry Kane claimed the award in 2018, largely thanks to a three-goal showing against Panama in the group stage. But the harsh truth of that tournament is that Kane faded in the big moments and England were deserved losers to Croatia in the semifinals. Rodriguez’s Colombia were a lively dark horse, but they lost in the last eight. Thomas Muller won it in 2010, but Germany fell in the semis to eventual winners Spain.

Only 2002, when Ronaldo famously carried Brazil to a World Cup after a slew of what should have been career-ending injuries, did individual goalscoring achievement lead to team success. That is perhaps the most complete World Cup campaign ever: eight goals, including two in the final and the winner in the semis. It was enough, in the end, to win him the Ballon d’Or.

A Team Sport – But Plenty Of Good Contenders

The truth is that football has evolved into far more of a team sport since then. The most successful squads tend not to be the most star-laden, but usually the most well-balanced. Argentina are effective because they allow for Messi’s lack of defensive effort by building a system that highlights his attacking skills – and makes up for his weaknesses without the ball.

Spain are excellent in possession and well-structured when they don’t have it. France’s tactics are, admittedly, harder to pin down. But their hard-working midfielders and disciplined full backs allow their attackers to shine. Ousmane Dembele’s work rate is also more apparent when he wears his national team shirt.

Yet soccer finds itself in a unique spot. This is a bit of a clash between eras. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are certainly playing their last World Cups. The next generation of superstars are well into their primes, too. Right now, there are seven elite attackers with a real shot at this thing: Messi, Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Dembele, Vinicius Jr, Harry Kane and Ronaldo. It would not be a surprise to see any of them win it.

Messi Vs. Mbappe?

Messi leads the race with six goals, and he should still be the favorite here. The Argentine is less involved these days, and it is clear that his legs are starting to fail him a little (he’s 39). But he bagged three goals against Algeria, two against Austria, and added a third against Jordan – all while making it look remarkably easy.

The next few potential opponents – with all the necessary respect here – look equally susceptible to some Messi magic. Cape Verde have been the surprise of the tournament, and kept Spain off the scoresheet. But Argentina will be strong favorites in that game. Should they win that, one of Australia and Egypt is next. On the same quadrant of their bracket are Ghana, Colombia, Switzerland, and Algeria. Those are fertile contests. Messi broke the record for World Cup career goals earlier this tournament. He could hit double digits before the quarterfinals.

And then there’s Mbappé, the man who has become Messi’s great rival in the World Cup. They have faced off twice in this forum. Mbappé won the first contest, in 2018’s Round of 16 (Mbappé scored two in the game that announced his arrival to the world). Messi claimed round two in the 2022 final (even if Mbappé bagged three).

The Frenchman hasn’t found his best form, which is a bit of an absurd thing to acknowledge considering he scored four across France’s first two games and has two assists. But he still looks a bit loose. France aren’t quite fluid yet. The movements aren’t quite there, the chemistry still building. Sweden seem like fine prey, though. And then, Mbappé’s big game vibes should be enough to make a serious challenge.

The Other Contenders

And then there’s everyone else, none of whom should be counted out. Kane seemed to have established himself in the race early. He bagged twice in England’s first game (despite needing to retake a missed penalty to get off the mark). But he followed that by blasting a golden chance over the bar in the second game. He found the net again in the third, but is still yet to get into the same kind of goalscoring positions that will make him a real contender. Haaland scored four in his first tw and was then rested for Norway’s final group game.

Vinicius Jr. should also be considered a serious threat. He will have to show up if the Selecao are to make a run, and he has been more clinical than in major tournaments of old (four in three games doubled his best effort of two goals at the 2024 Copa America). There’s also Ronaldo. His role for Portugal is puzzling. He no longer seems particularly interested in passing the ball, or really being all that much of a team player. It’s genuinely difficult to remember the last time such a world-class individual became so self-centered in their footballing approach. His knockout record is pretty woeful. But when he is on the pitch, then he is always in the right position to score. And even at 41, he can still be lethal.

A word, too, for surprise contenders. Folarin Balogun is on fire for the U.S. A performance against Bosnia and Herzegovina will put him in the running. And who knows from there? Brian Brobbey is scoring for fun for the Netherlands. He can’t be ruled out, either.

The Ballon d’Or Effect, And What’s Next

For some contenders, though, a golden boot will mean a little more. Kane should be considered a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or, but Bayern Munich’s lack of Champions League success will count against him. Mbappé was La Liga’s top scorer, but the fact that Real Madrid did not win a trophy will hurt his case. Ousmane Dembele’s PSG won everything they could — but did he contribute enough as an individual to claim the award for a second straight year? And then, of course, there’s Messi. MLS has, historically, not been looked upon as a ground for Ballons d’Or winners to make their mark. Could a Golden Boot win and World Cup success put his name in the mix, despite the lack of domestic prestige?

Yet perhaps the most compelling part of this all is that this can be appreciated, enjoyed, talked about. Golden Boots do not always indicate team success. But they do serve as a pretty compelling measure of moments. And if moments are what we treasure in World Cups, why not appreciate the best in football, slugging it out? Mbappé, Haaland, Messi, Ronaldo, Vinicius, Kane; these are the absolute elites, and they are all scoring consistently for their countries at the World Cup.

These are the things that football fans dream of. Not all six of them can win the tournament this summer. In the end, none of them could. But if they are to produce to the levels required to claim the Golden Boot this year, then 2026 will certainly have plenty of moments to remember.

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Norway defeated Ivory Coast thanks to Erling Haaland’s 86th minute match-winning goal. The victory was the first in the World Cup knockout rounds in Norwegian men’s soccer history. 

Now, what’s next for Norway at the World Cup? 

Here is the matchup for the round of 16 and its potential path to making the World Cup final. 

Ivory Coast vs Norway Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Who Will Norway Play In The Round Of 16?

After beating Ivory Coast in the round of 32 on Tuesday, Norwaywill face Brazil, which beat Japan in the round of 32 on Monday. The round of 16 match between Norway and Brazil will be Sunday, July 5 at 4 p.m. ET at New York New Jersey Stadium (watch on FOX and stream on FOX One). 

Who Could Norway Face In The Quarterfinals?

If Norway defeats Brazil in the round of 16, it has four potential opponents in the quarterfinals. Mexico, Ecuador, England or DR Congo are Norway’s potential quarterfinals opponents.

Mexico and Ecuador play Tuesday in Mexico City (9 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One), while England and DR Congo face off Wednesday in Atlanta (noon ET on FOX and FOX One). 

Norwayis ranked 21st in FIFA’s rankings, while England is No. 4, Mexico is No. 9 and Ecuador is No. 24.

If Norway reaches the quarterfinals, it’ll play at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 11 at 5 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

Who Could Norway Coast Face In The Semifinals?

There are eight possibilities for Norway in the semifinals: Argentina, Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana. 

If Norway reaches the semifinals, it’ll play at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

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Mexican soccer fans did their best to give Ecuador a sleepless night ahead of their World Cup match in the round of 32 later Tuesday.

From midnight until the early hours of the morning, dozens of fans gathered outside the Westin Hotel in Santa Fe, an upscale area on the outskirts of the capital, using loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles to disturb the visiting team’s rest.

Team hotel serenades are a deeply entrenched, highly polarizing tradition in Latin American soccer. While they began as a passionate way for fans to rally behind the home team, they have increasingly evolved into a psychological weapon designed to rob visiting players of a good night’s sleep.

After the incidents in Mexico City, the Ecuadorian soccer federation said Tuesday it has filed a formal complaint with organizers.

“Such conduct stands in stark contrast to the principles of fair play, equity, and unity that a World Cup should embody,” the federation, known as FEF, said in a statement. “The FEF respectfully calls upon the competent authorities to pay greater attention to these events and to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the safety of our players, coaching staff, and fans.”

The fan ambush, organized on social media, added to a chaotic arrival for Ecuador. The disruption capped off a grueling logistical nightmare for the South American team, which had deliberately planned a last-minute Monday night arrival to mitigate the effects of Mexico City’s 2,200-meter (7,300-foot) altitude.

To combat the physiological toll of thin air, sports scientists generally recommend two contrasting approaches: an extended acclimatization period of at least two weeks, or the “fly-in, fly-out” method — arriving as close to kick off as possible before acute symptoms set in.

That is the route that teams in the major sports leagues in the United States use when they come to play in Mexico City.

But Ecuador’s journey from Columbus, Ohio, was plagued by delays from the start. Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece complained that their flight was delayed by more than three hours, though he did not specify whether he had factored in the two-hour time difference between the cities.

“A flight delay, then the transfer to the hotel — it ended up being a nine-hour journey; we took three hours longer than scheduled,” Beccacece said. “But the team is doing well and is excited — obviously facing an opponent that posted good results in the group stage.”

Additionally, the team landed at Felipe Ángeles International Airport, located 65 kilometers (41 miles) from their hotel. The squad was forced to navigate the trek to Santa Fe through Mexico City’s notoriously heavy traffic, which was further paralyzed on Monday by heavy night rain.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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